The U.S. Navy is conducting its largest war games in the Persian Gulf since the 2003 invasion of Iraq at a time of increasing tensions with Iran.

Navy officials say the demonstration involves thousands of personnel and two aircraft carriers. They say the war games demonstrate the U.S. military's ability to conduct operations as part of its commitment to maintaining security and stability in the region.

The war games are taking place days after the United Nations Security Council imposed more sanctions on Iran for its nuclear program and Iran seized 15 British Navy personnel it said entered Iranian waters illegally.